Saints Win Newton Stewart 7`s – but only just!!

Saints travelled to Bladnoch for their final rugby action of the season on Sat 19th May to compete in this popular local tournament. In Saints section were guest side The Fossils, Wigtownshire and Ayr.

First up for Saints were The Fossils who proved a handful early in the tie, but Saints weathered the storm and emerged eventual winners but knowing they required to improve their play if they wished to progress further. Unfortunately this tie saw Ewan Miller sustain considerable dental damege which curtailed his involvement in the tournament.

Next up were `Shire who started well but Saints imposed themselves showing improved cohesion and understanding to notch up ther second win. The group decider was against Ayr, who had also recorded two wins ,and included in their team former Saint, Sylvain Diez, who had been orchestrating the Ayr side. Saints played good sevens retaining possession and waiting for the holes to appear and crossed for 5 scores to record the win but knowing there was still scope for improvement in their play.

The semi final was against hosts Newton Stewart who, roared on by their supporters, played their part in producing a very tight tie. With the scores locked at 19 all and the tie seemingly heading for extra time Sam Hiddleston escaped the suffocating defence to scamper down the right wing to settle the tie.A relieved Saints then watched an impressive Ardrossan qualify for the final with an emphatic win over Ayr.

The final started well for Saints racing into a 12:0 lead but the well drilled Ardrossan team responded to edge ahead at 21:19 moving into the final minute of play.Saints controlled the bulk of possession and showed great patience in the remaining plays before an overlap was created for Sam Hiddleston to squeeze in at the corner.After a consultation between the referee and his assistant, for what seemed like an eternity, the try was awarded much to the relief of the Saints squad and supporters!

A fitting final for a very well run tournament with Ardrossan showing great sportsmanship in defeat.

Saints Squad: Sam Hiddleston(capt,)Ewan Miller,Villi Satala,Johnny Campion,Andrew Walker,Kenny Henderson,Jordan Kerr,Graeme Gemmell,Ben Johnstone,Johnny Sloan and Neil Armstrong.